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An epic overland journey through Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile, this 32-day adventure takes in the vast Uyuni salt flats, the incredible landscapes of the Atacama Desert and the extraordinary cities of La Paz, Santiago and Mendoza. Choice of trekking or scenic train to visit the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Welcome to Peru and the wonderful city of Cusco! Today we have an important group meeting at 10am to meet your guide and fellow travellers. We meet again in the evening for a detailed briefing on the Wild Andes and Classic Inca Trail, when our local trekking guides will explain exactly what to expect over the next few days.

The rest of the day is free to explore Cusco, soak up its historical gems or relax after your journey.
Overnight: Cusco

The next four days can be spent either embarking on our Wild Andes trek, hiking the Classic Inca Trail or, if you don’t wish to trek, enjoying a guided tour of the Sacred Valley on our Train Package.

The Wild Andes trek takes you away from the crowds that frequent the Inca Trail. It's a similar trek in terms of length and difficulty, however you will hike through more pristine and unspoilt scenery with few other tourists. On the Andean trek you won't trek to Machu Picchu via the famous Sun Gate but you will spend the night before in a comfortable hotel, leaving you refreshed and rested for this magnificent site. For more information about the treks please refer to the Trip Notes.

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
We leave Cusco early to visit the ruined temples of Sacsayhuaman, before heading to the small Quechua-speaking village of Chinchero. We see a traditional weaving demonstration and visit the Quillarumiyoc temple, then begin our trek to Zurite where we enjoy a traditional dinner and stay in a colonial house. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Option 2 - Classic Inca Trail
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, followed by a visit to the market town of Pisac and free time to explore the impressive archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. We spend the night in a comfortable hotel before our trek starts the following morning. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Option 3 - Train Package
Leaving Cusco with those embarking on the Wild Andes Trek, we visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, followed by a scenic drive via the town of Pisac to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After lunch we return to Cusco, where we stay in a centrally located hotel for a further three nights. (Breakfast & Lunch)

PLEASE NOTE: You must advise at time of booking if you wish to book the classic Inca Trail Trek (which is subject to availability) or the non trekking Train Package, otherwise you will automatically be put on the Wild Andes Trek. Overnight: Zurite/Ollantaytambo/Cusco | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Zurite - Amaruwatana. After breakfast we head towards Amaruwatana camp, visiting the Hummingbird Temple to admire this Inca archaeological site. Our route takes us along an ancient path up to an elevation of 4,400 metres, where we enjoy dramatic views of the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges. We then descend into the Sambor Valley and to our camp for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Option 2 - Classic Inca Trail
Ollantaytambo - Wayllabamba. Today we catch a bus to Piscaycuscho and begin the Classic Inca trek with our crew of local porters and cooks. Crossing the bridge over the River Urubamba, we follow a trail along the river and enjoy stunning views of Mount Veronica and the Incan archaeological remains at Llactapata. We gradually climb through lush farmland and woodland to reach our campsite at Wayllabamba. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Amaruwatana - Ancascocha. Today we have an early start to trek to the top of our second pass at 4,700 metres. From here we enjoy stunning views of the rock formations below and perhaps spot native wildlife such as eagles, foxes or caracaras. We then descend into a stunning highland valley and enjoy lunch by the glacial River Kengo Mayu before continuing to our campsite in the Ancascocha area. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Option 2 - Classic Inca Trail
Wayllabamba - Pacaymayo. Today marks the most challenging day of our trek as we climb through Andean cloud forest and highland puna to reach ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ at an elevation of 4,200 metres. On reaching the pass, we are rewarded with astonishing panoramic views of the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges, before we descend to our second campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Option 3 - Train Package
Today offers further free time to enjoy Cusco and all that this city has to offer. (Breakfast)Overnight: Ancascocha/Pacamayo/Cusco | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Ancascocha - Ollantaytambo. Today we descend through the narrow Silque Canyon, crossing many bridges to reach the Camicancha area, where we stop at a magnificent volcanic viewpoint looking towards the snowy peak of Mount Veronica. From here, we have a short trek to Chilca, where our trail ends and we are transferred to our hotel in Ollantaytambo. This afternoon we then enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Temple of the Sun and the incredible archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. (Breakfast)

Option 2 - Classic Inca Trail
Pacaymayo - Winay Wayna. Following ancient stone paths, we ascend to the Inca remains of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, known as the 'Town above the Clouds’. We then descend to our final camp by the Winay Wayna ruins, which boasts panoramic views of the valley below. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Option 3 - Train Package
Today we are transferred to Ollantaytambo and our hotel for the night. We rejoin the Wild Andes trekkers and our tour leader when they arrive in the afternoon. (Breakfast)Overnight: Ollantaytambo/Winay Wayna | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek & Option 3 - Train Package
Ollantyatambo - Machu Picchu - Cusco. This morning we take an incredibly scenic train journey to the spa town of Aguas Calientes. From here we board a local bus that winds up the mountainside to Machu Picchu, the awe inspiring 'Lost City of the Incas'. Here we enjoy a guided tour and plenty of free time to explore this iconic sight, which was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. In the afternoon we return to Ollantaytambo by train and then drive back to our hotel in Cusco. (Breakfast)

Option 2 - Classic Inca Trail
Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu. Descending through highland jungle we reach the Sun Gate, which leads to the phenomenal ruins of Machu Picchu. Arriving at daybreak, we catch our first breathtaking view of this Incan wonder and enjoy a guided tour to explain the site’s history and mythology. We then have free time to explore independently, before we head down to Aguas Calientes to catch a train to Ollantaytambo. We then return to Cusco for a well-deserved rest.

Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek & Option 3 - Train Package
Ollantyatambo - Machu Picchu - Cusco. This morning we take an incredibly scenic train journey to the spa town of Aguas Calientes. From here we board a local bus that winds up the mountainside to Machu Picchu, the awe inspiring 'Lost City of the Incas'. Here we enjoy a guided tour and plenty of free time to explore this iconic site, which was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. In the afternoon we return to Ollantaytambo by train and then drive back to our hotel in Cusco. (Breakfast)
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast

Today is free to relax after our incredible treks and further explore the city of Cusco. Perhaps take part in our optional activities such as a Peruvian cooking class or pick up some of the local lingo in a Spanish class.Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast

Cusco - Puno. Today we drive through the highlands of Peru to reach the town of Puno. Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and offers a fascinating insight into the local Aymara and Quechuan Indian cultures. Overnight: Puno | Breakfast

Days 9-10

Isla Del Sol

Puno - Copacabana - Isla del Sol (Bolivia). This morning we cross the border into Bolivia and continue our journey to the lakeside town of Copacabana. Here we catch a boat to Isla del Sol, a stunning island steeped in Inca legend and thought to be the birthplace of the sun god Inti.

On day 10 we have an included 14-kilometre hike across the length of Isla del Sol, passing incredible scenery, small ancient ruins and traditional villages. The walk is optional and those who do not wish to participate can enjoy some downtime to relax. We return to Copacabana for the evening.
Overnight: Isla del Sol (1), Copacabana (1) | Breakfast x 2

Copacabana - La Paz. On day 11 we drive to La Paz, the largest city in Bolivia and the country's seat of government. On arrival, there's an optional guided tour of the city’s main sights and viewpoints.

Days 12 and 13 are free to make the most of this extraordinary city. Perhaps explore the witches market, take an optional excursion to visit the Tiahuanacu Inca ruins or mountain bike down the world's most dangerous road.Overnight: La Paz (3) | Breakfast x 3

La Paz - Uyuni. Today we journey south to Uyuni, the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni, which is the world's largest salt pan. We stay at a hotel in Uyuni famous for serving pizzas at the highest altitude in the world.

On day 15 we spend a full day exploring the incredible landscape of the Salar de Uyuni by jeep and on foot. Stretching for 12,000 square kilometres, the blinding white crystals of the salt flats reflect the sky perfectly, making the horizon disappear. We visit the nearby train graveyard and the cactus-filled 'Fish Island' en route, with plenty of time throughout the day to get some perspective-bending photographs.Overnight: Uyuni (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1

Day 16

Altiplano

Uyuni - Altiplano (Chile). We continue our journey across the wilds of the Altiplano, an impressive desolate desert landscape stretching all the way to Chile. The Altiplano is dotted with streams and lakes, many of which appear vividly coloured due to the mineral deposits in the water. The lakes are flanked by the impressive volcanic peaks of the high Bolivian Andes, which are awe-inspiringly beautiful and undoubtedly some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you'll ever see. There will be lots of photo stops along the way as we aim to cross into Chile and our camp for the evening. Tonight's camp is a remote bush camp with no facilities. Overnight: Altiplano | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Altiplano - San Pedro De Atacama. In the morning we break camp and drive through the stunning Reserva Nacional Alto Loa to reach the desert oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. En route we stop off for plenty of photographs and enjoy lunch at the famous El Tatio Geysers, which are the world’s highest at an elevation of 4,300 metres.

The following day is free to explore the Atacama Desert, with an included trip to the extraordinary Valley of the Moon to witness the sunset over this incredible landscape. This region is considered one of the best in the world for astronomy and, provided there isn’t a full moon, we have the chance to go stargazing tonight. Overnight: San Pedro de Atacama (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1

San Pedro De Atacama - Salta (Argentina). On day 19 we have a long journey to cross the mighty Andes and reach the beautiful town of Salta in Argentina. Enjoy the camaraderie of the journey, playing games with your fellow travellers and soaking up the views from the window.

The following day is free to explore Salta and its fantastic museums. Perhaps take an optional mountain bike excursion into the surrounding hills or catch the cable car to the viewpoint on San Bernado Hill overlooking the town.
Overnight: Salta (2) | Breakfast x 2

Salta - Cafayate. Today we drive to the serene town of Cafayate, passing through the spectacular rock formations of the Quebrada de las Conchas en route. Cafayate is world-famous for its wine production, in particular for the white wine Torrontes, with the surrounding vineyards providing some of the best quality wine in South America.

Whilst in Cafayate we visit a few of the nearby vineyards to see how the wine is made and, of course, to try a few for ourselves!
Overnight: Cafayate (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 2

Day 23

Quilmes Ruins

Cafayate - Quilmes ruins - Recreo. Today we drive south through stunning mountains and reach the vast pampas grasslands that Argentina is famous for. En route we visit the ancient ruins of Quilmes, an indigenous city that would once have housed nearly 5,000 people. Tonight we enjoy a wild camping experience.
Overnight: Recreo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 24-26

Gaucho ranch

Recreo - Estancia. On day 24 we drive to a unique Anglo-Argentine estancia, or cattle ranch, where we stay for the next three nights at a camp near the main house. This estancia is a working ranch farming prized Argentinian Aberdeen Angus cattle and has been in the same family for four generations.

Here we experience the traditional hospitality of the ranching community and enjoy an Argentine BBQ called an asado on one of our nights here. We also enjoy an evening of traditional music, a wine tasting of local produce and the chance to learn how to lasso. What's more, there are daily horseback riding excursions into the surrounding hills that'll make you feel like a true gaucho in no time.Overnight: Estancia (3) | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3

Estancia - Cordoba. This morning we enjoy a leisurely start and after breakfast continue our drive to the lively university city of Cordoba, located at the heart of the Argentinian sierras. This afternoon is free to explore and soak up Cordoba's vibrant atmosphere or enjoy its excellent nightlife.
Overnight: Cordoba | Breakfast

Cordoba - Mendoza. We have a very early start on day 28 for a full day’s drive to Mendoza, a stunning town nestled beneath the largest mountains of the Andes. It’s also one of the nine ‘Wine Capitals of the World’ and is famous for its Malbec, which is grown in vineyards of some of the highest altitude in the world.

Day 29 offers free time to explore this region, perhaps cycling between the different wineries or enjoying a tasting tour. Adventure lovers can also go white-water rafting on the Mendoza River or you can relax in the beautiful thermal baths in Cacheuta.Overnight: Mendoza (2) | Breakfast x 2

Mendoza - Santiago (Chile). We embark on our final drive of the tour to the Chilean capital of Santiago on day 30. Our route takes us over the stunning Cristo Redentor pass in the high Andes and past Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere. The following day is free to enjoy all this city has to offer, perhaps joining a free walking tour to learn about Santiago's history or visiting the viewpoints at Cerro San Cristobal or Cerro San Lucia for breathtaking vistas of the skyline.Overnight: Santiago (2) | Breakfast x 2

Today marks the end of our adventure through South America! Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight, but if you would like to extend your stay in Chile our reservations team will be happy to arrange post-tour accommodation.Breakfast

Is This Trip Right For Me?

Overlanding is not a style of travel that will suit everyone so please carefully read the Trip Notes before selecting this tour and be realistic about your ability and desire to join such a trip. If you’re the adventurous type who’d rather spend a night roughing it in a rainforest than luxuriating in a boutique hotel, then overlanding is for you. You just need the right attitude, an open mind, and a desire to participate fully in the trip.

Overland travelling can be demanding and challenging. On your trip you’ll travel in a purpose-built expedition vehicle on an off-the-beaten-track adventure along rugged roads, sometimes across vast distances. You will find the drive times noted on the Trip Notes.

On an overland journey you are more than just a passenger, these are full participation trips and everyone gets involved pitches in! You will also be expected to erect your own tent and help with camp chores including cooking meals for the group on a rota basis. Like all great adventures, the more you put in the more you'll get out!

The type, variety and standard of accommodation can vary greatly from very basic rooms without electricity or running water to comfortable hotels with good facilities. Generally in hotels most rooms will be twin-share, but some may be triple/quad-share. Hostels are nearly always multi-share and may be mixed sex.

The campsites we use range from basic to those with excellent facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants and a bar. On some occasions we wild camp with no facilities, which means there are no toilets - just the vast expanse of the great outdoors and a shovel!

Our overland journeys are designed to offer freedom, and many of our routes have a large degree of flexibility rather than a strict hour-by-hour or even day-by-day itinerary. We intend to follow the planned route but exact night stops and inclusions cannot be guaranteed and it sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our planned itinerary.

How Challenging Is This Trip?
This trip is fairly challenging and strenuous in parts and it includes a multi-day trek at high altitude, walking for 5-8 hours per day. You may well be travelling at high altitudes, across deserts or through cold and windy or hot and steamy areas. The terrain and roads may be rough and the facilities can be very basic or non existent. There may be some long drive days followed by wild camps, and physically and mentally it can be tough, but there will be some rest days and time to relax as well.

Prices & Dates

Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices shown above are per person travelling.

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Life can be unpredictable and we understand that sometimes it’s necessary to change your travel plans. With our LIFETIME DEPOSIT guarantee, you can book our Signature tours safe in the knowledge that if you’re unable to travel, your deposit is fully transferable and will be held for an unlimited time. Conditions apply.

Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices shown above are per person travelling.

These overland trips are designed for shared accommodation, whether camping or staying in hotels or hostels, and therefore do not involve a single supplement. Hostels are nearly always multi-share and may be mixed gender and many hotel rooms in South America are triple/quad-share. Whilst the crew will do their best to accommodate couples travelling together in twin rooms, all our travellers should expect to stay in multi-share accommodation when staying in hostels.

Local Payment

This holiday has a local payment. The local payment is in addition to the per person price noted below. The amount is to be paid directly to your tour guide on day 1 of your tour in cash, in the currency specified. The local payment is a portion of the total tour cost. It does not cover one specific item but instead forms part of all the items listed as 'inclusions' for your tour. It is created to reduce the upfront costs of booking your holiday, allowing you to save for the remainder between booking and your date of arrival.

Please note that due to exchange rate fluctuations the local payment amount may be subject to change. We will however inform you of any such changes as soon as we are aware of them.

Essentials

Value and Freedom

On our Essentials range, we’ve kept things simple to give you amazing experiences at a great price.

As well as guided sightseeing of the key sites, there’s plenty of free time to explore independently or take part in optional excursions so you can focus on doing just the things that suit you. We’ve given you the flexibility to eat how you want too, by making most of the meals optional.

On your Essentials tour, you’ll be travelling the way the locals do to really get under the skin of your destination. Although we’ve kept costs down, these trips are far from slumming it, with accommodation spanning everything from dome tents to the occasional fancy hotel. Group sizes tend to be a little larger on our Essentials range to give you a social and fun travel experience with like-minded travellers.

A lot of our Essentials tours include a local payment. As well as keeping up front costs down for you, it means that even more of your money stays within the local area.

Guaranteed Departures

This tour is 100% guaranteed to depart with travellers.

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Pricing Information

This trip operates in reverse. Please refer to the Trip Notes below the tour dates for details.

Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices shown above are per person travelling.

These overland trips are designed for shared accommodation, whether camping or staying in hotels or hostels, and therefore do not involve a single supplement. Hostels are nearly always multi-share and may be mixed gender and many hotel rooms in South America are triple/quad-share. Whilst the crew will do their best to accommodate couples travelling together in twin rooms, all our travellers should expect to stay in multi-share accommodation when staying in hostels.

Local Payment

This holiday has a local payment. The local payment is in addition to the per person price noted below. The amount is to be paid directly to your tour guide on day 1 of your tour in cash, in the currency specified. The local payment is a portion of the total tour cost. It does not cover one specific item but instead forms part of all the items listed as 'inclusions' for your tour. It is created to reduce the upfront costs of booking your holiday, allowing you to save for the remainder between booking and your date of arrival.

Please note that due to exchange rate fluctuations the local payment amount may be subject to change. We will however inform you of any such changes as soon as we are aware of them.

Argentina Overland Adventures

Get off the beaten track and travel through spectacular landscapes and enchanting cities on one of our Argentina Overland Adventures. Travelling aboard a purpose-built overland truck, combining camping with hostels and simple hotels, these group tours are ideal for active and adventurous travellers who don’t mind roughing it on occasions and want a hands-on experience on tour, helping to cook meals and set up camp.

We offer a choice of four Overland Adventures which combine the natural wonders and captivating cities of Argentina with other South American highlights. Explore the spectacular landscapes of Patagonia or the verdant vineyards of Mendoza, learn to be a gaucho on a cattle ranch or marvel at spectacular Iguazu Falls.